Meet Etsy Artist: SheilaTS

I discovered the following artist in her very first week on Etsy...

Sheila Tajima was born in the US, but spent her childhood in Japan. At 18 she moved back to California to attend college and put down roots. She worked through the ranks as a police officer and forensic artist - and has recently retired as a Sergeant after 26 years of public service. Now she devotes her time to art. "After seeing all that darkness, I always look for the light in people and situations," she explains. Her inspiration comes from life and "the people who choose to live it to the fullest." Believe it or not, she only leaned how to paint with oils two years ago, but has fallen in love. "I still dabble in watercolor, pastel, pen and ink, graphite and an occasional Bic pen on paper napkin," she jokes. Art has been her passion since she was four years old and watched her father draw Mickey Mouse. "I thought what he did was magical." Although her art is truly a passion, she has been forced to approach it like a job recently after a divorce left her paying her ex husband from her pension. "Do what you love and it will show in your work," she recommends. "Don't be discouraged by bids that are rejected. For every 10 people who turn you down there is going to be someone who absolutely thinks you are the best thing since sliced bread." Please check out her shop: http://sheilats.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: RozArt

The prolific painter behind RozArt is a single mother of three, who paints full-time. "I started with the cows and roosters after a year spent on a Texas cattle ranch," she explains. "I was renting the house and the owner's cattle roamed all over - so the kids and I were thrilled to have them around. There were chicken pens there, so we got some (imagine city folks trying to do the country-thing). We loved the ranch-life and the animals, which was a surprise to me. I was able to get a lot of inspiration and observation from life while I was there." Her lose, fast painting style showcases textures and movement reminiscent of Impressionism. Each piece isn't just a snapshot in time, but rather the essence of an entire moment. Wile still fairly new to Etsy she has some sage advice. "Even if it is a part-time hobby - treat it like a business. Make sure your items are of quality and that you ship on time, always keep in good contact with clients and keep them happy!" Please check out her shop: http://rozart.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/